St Kilda coach Brett Ratten has said he cannot accept individual performances from some of his players in recent weeks, outlining that there will be changes to his side's personnel this weekend.
Following St Kilda's concerning 28-point loss to the Western Bulldogs last week, Ratten admitted it was disappointing to be facing the same form inconsistencies as 12 months ago, saying some players are on their "last chance".
With just one win - a 15-point win over Carlton - from their last six appearances, the Saints noticeably intensified their training session on Thursday ahead of a must-win clash with West Coast this Sunday at Optus Stadium.
"We've had a few discussions about our team and there are some players that have been spoken to already and there's (sic) some players that will be out of our team from the weekend and some players will be on their last chance, because we can't accept some of those performances," Ratten said speaking to the media on Thursday.
"If they stay in the team, they'll be lucky and they'll get a chance to respond, and if they don't stay in the team they'll have to work damn hard to get back in.
"That's not just about our young kids, their form fluctuates, it's about these players in our team who have been around for a while and we need them to lift, we need more from them in regards to how they go about it.
"It is disappointing - we put ourselves in a pretty good position to be 8-3, and then post-bye, to be where we are with only one victory.
"We can't have these momentum swings where it's five, six, seven goals in a row and we don't hit the scoreboard and that's what we're addressing."
Ratten said there will be changes to the side, both through form and injury.
Seb Ross will be back in action after missing last week through COVID protocols, while Hunter Clark, who underwent surgery after a compound fracture of his nose earlier this month, will return as well.
Ratten also indicated that the injury-riddled Dan Hannebery will play another week in the VFL, after making his football return last week in the second-grade competition.
"I think we will really consider (him) after next week and we'll have a look at his performance," Ratten said of the former Swans' selection chances.
"His training form's been good and it does highlight the talk and leadership that he does bring, because since he's been out there on the training track, all you hear is Dan.
"It nearly drives you mad but it's so encouraging ... he will be close next week."
The Saints' loss to the Dogs last week epitomised both a lack in spirit and team functionality. Growing despair among the Saints' fraternity has arisen from the inconsistent performances in the past six weeks, especially after the men from Moorabbin spent the bye sitting in top-four contention.
Thursday's press conference follows club-released footage of Ratten speaking post-game last week, in which he also expects more from his players.
The Saints face West Coast this Sunday at Optus Stadium (4:40pm AEST).
The one who should be on his “last chance” is Brett Ratten. His coaching since coming to St. Kilda is no better than his previous job. He wins about 50% of games. That’ not what gets you into finals or winning flags.
St. Kilda is a fish that is rotting from the head office on down. They should have pulled the 2-year contract extension on hold until the end of the season. Right now, the Saints are stuck with this mediocrity for 2 more years.